I have a (close to free) 1990 240 sedan 212k miles that had a brake job before I took ownership, about 8k miles ago (new rotors/pads all around). The front brakes (I'm pretty sure it's just driver front) are binding - not releasing which is causing the rotor to overheat and shimmy. I realize this is caused by the caliper not releasing, but what is the easiest way to determine if this is being caused by collapsed flex hose(s) or the caliper itself? TIA for any help. Mark

If you think the pads aren't releasing, it should be a simple thing to jack up the front wheels and spin the tires to see if they are turning freely. You would also notice greater wear on the pad in the bad caliper if that were the case. Also a visual check of the flex hoses should tell you if they are in good condition. How do you know it is binding?

Are you just getting shimmies when you brake at high speeds? If so, you probably just have a warped disc. It could have gone on that way, and not noticed at the shop if they didn't take it out on the highway for a test drive. Most shops I've dealt with just drive it around the block and call it good.

couple of thoughts here.
1. caliper has contaminated fluid from prior brake job and piston is binding.
2. Pads weren't shimmed right and are binding or pin corroded.
3. bad install job.
4. Failure of mechanical component.

Pull wheel off and take a look.
Try to remove pads and look for something binding in case object is lodged between pad and rotor.
If able remove caliper and check for freedom.

Let us know what you find.

I had that problem. Remove the pads, grease surfaces that they
slide on, including the pins, with silicone grease. If the pads
still don't slide into the caliper easily, mill a few thou off of
their top and bottom edges with a grinder.


-b. (also in NJ)

Just to add to that- I've been through 4 sets of pads and 3 sets of rotors between my old 744GLE and my current 744T- 8/10 it is the guide pins that rust through and bind- spray them with some PBlaster to release and then lube them up with good brake lube- then of course replace the pads and the warped rotors.